Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith has voiced criticism regarding the substantial net worths of former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, asserting that national leaders should only achieve financial prosperity if the American populace is also prospering. Smith shared these views on a recent episode of his podcast, "Straight Shooter."
Smith's commentary centered on the principle that politicians' personal financial gains should be contingent on the overall economic well-being of the country. "I don’t give a damn what money politicians slide into their own pockets from time to time,” Smith stated. “If the American people are prospering, get yours. It’s a capitalistic society."
He specifically questioned the financial trajectories of both Clinton and Obama after their time in office. Regarding Bill Clinton, Smith noted his background as a lawyer in Arkansas who grew up in relative poverty. "How the hell him and the Clinton Foundation is worth hundreds of millions of dollars beat me,” Smith said.
Forbes reported that Bill and Hillary Clinton have amassed approximately $240 million since leaving the White House. Bill Clinton's earnings are attributed largely to book deals, generating an estimated $189 million, and $106 million from paid speeches.
Stephen A. Smith also expressed skepticism about Barack Obama's wealth accumulation. "Barack Obama was a community organizer who became the president of the United States and, last time I checked, that salary ain’t over $450,000, if I remember correctly,” Smith said, questioning, “How the hell you depart from office worth over $200 million?”
According to Forbes, Obama accumulated a net worth of about $20 million during his twelve years as a senator and president, bringing his total estimated net worth to around $70 million in 2024.
Smith reiterated that his concern arises from his perception that the current economic situation in the United States does not reflect widespread prosperity. "I’m cool with it if the American people are prospering, but last time I checked, that’s not the case,” he concluded. Fox News Digital has reached out to representatives for both former presidents for comment.